Story 9

*This story was inspired by the end of story 8, and is also a little bit of a joke story that I wrote a while ago.*

“Hey so, this is a very fun war and all that you have going on here. But, I am going to host a storytime tea party, because Helian found out about tea parties and really wants to have one.” Riordan then reached out and grabbed both of them by their shirt collars

“And I need to have guests to have a tea party, so I am telling people that I will read stories to get them to come over.” He walked away, pulling the two along with him, as he headed back to the mansion for the tea party storytime.

“Helian!! I brought Tatsuya and James!” Riordan proudly smiled as he dragged in his two friends by their shirt collars.

“Oh Yay!! I’m so happy you both could make it for tea time!” Helian was clapping and smiling

“Why are we doing this?” Delmar quietly murmured into Celosia’s ear as he was leaning over.

“Free food and pretty dress-up, duh.”

“Really I am very sorry but I just can't stay for tea. I have so many things to do, you know, being emperor and all.” James started to turn around, however, he suddenly stopped as he heard a small sniff.

“-Sniff- You can't stay for my tea party?” Helian’s eyes started to form tears as they stood there and began to cry a little. All of a sudden the 30 or so very powerful and well-known mix of magickal creatures had a murderous look in their eyes. Tatsuya, keeping their monotone face, raised a sword and made eye contact with him. Delmar and Celosia activated their element abilities as Riordan smiled and opened his war spellbook. A group of Dragonborn and sirens flashed their various weapons, and even the fey smiled sadistically as they waved ‘bye bye’ to him.

“On second thought, I think that I just can't miss this. I’ll have my schedule cleared.” James smiled as he flipped a small book open to his calendar and crossed out his other plans for the day “See, now I can attend.”

“Oh, that's just wonderful!!!” Helian’s mood did a full 180 as they beamed and giggled joyfully. Soon everyone was ushered to a very well decorated floral-themed seat and served herbal tea and baked goods. There was pleasant chatter and the mannered sipping of tea and eating of cakes as everyone enjoyed this impromptu tea party. The outdoor garden the party was taking place in had only just been made by the mansion, who seemed to also want to join. Knowing this, Helian and Tatsuya made a cup of tea and a plate of treats for the mansion and left it on the altar within the garden.

“Enjoy the cake Bamiedel, It's your favorite!” Helian smiled sweetly as they stood up and joyfully skipped back to their seat. There was a slight breeze blowing through, which caused the low-hanging trees and vines to gently sway as if in greeting.

“So, Lord Graz'zt, how has work been?” Delmar turned to the tall ash skinned man seated next to him.

“Oh very busy, very busy. You know, constant war, the dungeons, girlfriend problems.”

“Oh, you poor thing.”

“I know! How am I even supposed to deal with that?”

“You know, I've heard that baking soda fixes everything.” Tatsuya butted into their conversation, being seated on Delmar’s other side.

“Does it?” Graz’zt looked perplexed as he leaned forward in order to see the Dragon

“Yup. mix it with vinegar and all will be fixed.”

“Oh, well that's wonderful. I’ll have to try that.”

“What are they talking about?” James whispered to Riordan, having overheard the conversation and being thoroughly confused.

“Dungeon cleaning methods.” Riordan nodded simply as if it was obvious.

“...What?”

“What did you think they were talking about?”

“Girlfriend trouble.”

“...”

“...”

“Well, wonderful garden isn't it?” James stated, turning and taking a sip of his tea.

“Yes indeed, Bamiedel made it.” Celosia politely nibbled on her cookies.

“It's a wonderful architect, you must have it tell me where it learned its design skills.”

“Thinking about building a new war structure?”

“Oh no, I have plenty of those. I was thinking of doing some work on the palace.”

“Ooh, that would be nice.” The redhead smiled, “The main one or the beach one?”

“I’ll start with the main one, the beach one will be done after it.”

“I’ll talk to Helian and Tatsuya and see if they can get Bamidele to spill its secrets.”

The murmured conversation continued as the table of 30 guests sipped their tea and ate their cakes. It had become dusk when Helian finally stood up to end the party.

“This was so much fun! Thank you all for coming, I’m so glad you all came! You all have a safe trip home now, I do hope you come by again for tea!” They smiled as there were cheers, praises for the parties, and thanks given to them. Soon everyone made their way out, including James.

“Well, that was nice.”

“I hope Graz’zt is able to clean his dungeons properly.” Tatsuya sighed

“Indeed. A dirty dungeon is always such a shame.” Delmar nodded as she fixed her glasses.

“It really does reflect poorly on the host.” The Bard Gang murmured their agreements as they went inside and turned in for the night.